The best 86 Women's Stories books

I Am Malala chronicles the fascinating life of the young Pakistani girl, Malala Yousafzai. From humble beginnings in a rural village in Pakistan to speaking in front of the United Nations, Malala’s moving autobiography chronicles the unbelievable transformation of a girl who stood up to the Taliban and became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

• Anyone interested in the fascinating story of Malala Yousafzai
• Anyone interested in education and human rights
• Anyone interested in the history of Pakistan and the nuances of Islam

And the Good News Is … (2015) walks you through the life and times of Dana Perino. These blinks follow Dana’s life – from her early childhood in rural Wyoming to her career on Capitol Hill – and offer applicable advice for success and personal improvement along the way.

• Fans of Dana Perino
• Anyone who wants a job on Capitol Hill
• People in every field looking for tips to succeed

First They Killed My Father (2006) is Loung Ung’s memoir of her childhood experiences living under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia during the 1970s. She begins her story as the Khmer Rouge take power, forcing her family to flee the country’s capital, Phnom Penh, only to find themselves living as slave laborers, in constant fear that they would be personally targeted by the regime.

• Anyone who’s seen the Oscar-winning film The Killings Fields
• History buffs
• Fans of autobiographies and memoirs

Unstoppable (2017) tells the personal story of Maria Sharapova, the internationally renowned and respected tennis star. It chronicles her life, from when her family fled Belarus after the Chernobyl disaster, through to her relocation to the United States and her incredible career achievements. Sharapova’s autobiography offers a testimony to the power of strong will and unwavering determination.

• Aspiring young athletes
• Tennis fans and players
• Dreamers and lovers of inspirational stories

Hunger (2017) is a personal, open-hearted account of what it’s like to live with a body that’s frowned upon by society.

• Victims of abuse and sexual violence
• Students of psychology and social work
• Anyone struggling with eating disorders

The Radium Girls (2016) tells the tragic yet ultimately inspiring story of American female workers in the early twentieth century who endured some of the worst corporate negligence imaginable. Their incredible fight for justice and responsibility continues to be a relevant story to this day.

• Those interested in the history of women’s rights
• Students of corporate law
• Readers interested in nuclear science

Rise of the Rocket Girls (2016) reveals the intriguing and enlightening stories of the women who worked at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. It traces the laboratory from its earliest days through to modern times, from its quirky beginnings to its role as one of NASA’s most important component parts. These women were responsible for crunching numbers and the important calculations that kept the United States in the space race and helped launch rockets, satellites and probes into the farthest corners of the solar system. Their influence cannot be denied. And, more than that, it must be acknowledged.

• Readers who seek strong female role models
• Science geeks
• Space enthusiasts

Imagine it Forward (2018) charts the successes and setbacks of one of America’s most prolific businesswomen, Beth Comstock. Combining anecdotes from her tenure at General Electric with surprising insights and indispensable practical advice, these blinks explore the life and times of this remarkable change-maker and innovator.

• Anyone looking for tips to instigate effective change
• Those interested in the lives and careers of extraordinary women
• Managers looking for fresh leadership insights

In We Are Displaced (2018), international activist Malala Yousafzai shares her story of becoming displaced from her homeland of Pakistan. She also shares the stories of some of the women and girls she has met while visiting refugee camps across the globe. With over 68.5 million people currently displaced from their homes worldwide, these stories are a vivid and important reminder of the individuality and humanity of each and every displaced person.

• Anyone interested in the stories of refugees
• People inspired by the resilience of women and girls
• Those looking to dig deeper into the causes of displacement

How to Fail (2019) is an honest and revealing look at the abundant rewards that come from making it through the toughest of times. Author Elizabeth Day takes us through many of the formative events in her life that some could call failures, yet she is nonetheless grateful for. Many fear failure like the plague, but it is often unavoidable – and for good reason too, because if we didn’t fail, we wouldn’t learn the many important lessons that make us smarter and better at living life.

• Anyone going through a tough time
• People looking to rebound from a failed project
• Women thinking about starting a family

As a blind child, Julie Yip-Williams escaped from the poverty of war-torn Vietnam to the peaceful abundance of Los Angeles. For most people, this would have been their life’s most remarkable event – but Julie wasn’t destined for a normal life. In her candid memoir, The Unwinding of the Miracle (2019), Julie takes us on an extraordinary journey through her equally extraordinary time on Earth – from her birth and blindness to her world travels and battle with terminal cancer.

• Cancer patients feeling alone in their fight
• Compassionate souls who want to feel another person’s pain
• Anybody wanting to be told an uncanny tale 

Inside Out (2019) is a memoir by Hollywood actress Demi Moore. Here, she turns inward and reports from memory – from her troubled childhood and her rising fame as a member of the “Brat Pack” in the 1980s, to her marriages to Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher.  

• Pop-culture junkies who want to go behind the scenes of Hollywood history
• Aspiring actors on the thorny path to stardom
• Lifelong fans of Demi Moore

Thick: And Other Essays (2019) is a collection of essays by author Tressie McMillan Cottom that centers on the experiences of African American women. Drawing on her own lived experience as well as that of others, McMillan Cottom’s smart, incisive prose provides a fresh perspective on topics as varied as race, beauty, politics, and capitalism, and sheds light on the most pressing issues of today. Part sociological tract, part polemic, the book reveals the brutal and often absurd paradoxes of modern-day America. 

• Feminists interested in deeper insight into the experiences of Black women 
• Activists who want to learn more about the current state of racial inequity 
• Social scientists and academics interested in current affairs

In Happy Fat (2019) Sofie Hagen reveals how painful it is to grow up fat in a society filled with prejudice and discrimination. She dispels entrenched myths about fatness, arguing that the correlation between being fat and being unhealthy has been misrepresented and that fatphobia – rather than fatness – is the dangerous social epidemic that we as a society need to challenge.  

• Comedy lovers who want to learn more about the life of a funny, fresh voice
• Fat activists looking for resources on how to deal with fatphobia
• People curious about the commercial interests that fuel the weight-loss industry

Notorious RBG (2015) chronicles the life story of US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. From her childhood in Brooklyn – when she was known by her nickname, Kiki – to capturing the public imagination with her scathing dissents on the bench, these blinks portray one woman’s relentless fight to give American women and men equal rights under the country’s legislation.

New York Times Bestseller

• Millennials interested in the life of America’s most unassuming pop icon
• Students of US history, law, and politics
• Social activists and feminists looking for inspiration

Code Girls (2017) is about the thousands of American women who worked as code breakers during World War II. Informed by interviews with over 20 surviving women, archived documents, and recently declassified oral histories, author Liza Mundy details the unprecedented lives of female code breakers in Washington, DC and beyond as well as the American intelligence that led to the success of the Allied war efforts.

• History buffs
• Espionage enthusiasts interested in the history of cryptography
• Students of science or gender studies

The Undying (2019) is a searing, poetic account of the author’s journey through an aggressive form of breast cancer. It’s also a seething appraisal of women’s experience of this illness, in history and literature, as well as in the present-day United States. 

• Anyone who has ever suffered illness – from a common cold to cancer
• People interested in class politics 
• Lovers of great literature

Becoming Beauvoir (2019) recounts the story of French philosopher, writer and feminist icon Simone de Beauvoir for a contemporary audience. Making use of previously unpublished letters and diaries, Becoming Beauvoir describes how the famous intellectual became herself.

• Those interested in feminism and gender studies
• Budding existentialists
• Philosophy students

In Lady in Waiting (2019), Lady Anne Glenconner draws back the curtain on royal life in Britain. Glenconner was lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret for over 30 years. As companion and confidante to the princess, she gleaned a unique perspective on Margaret’s glamorous, scandalous, and secretive life.

• Royal-watchers keen to go behind closed doors at Kensington Palace
• Fans of Netflix’s The Crown who want to get the real scoop on Margaret
• Anyone with an appetite for upper-class English gossip

Trick Mirror (2019) is the long-awaited first collection of writer and essayist Jia Tolentino. In nine intertwined stories, she tells of the trends and ideas – as well as the personal and collective delusions – that have shaped her life, our country, and the culture. Examining everything from the internet to workout crazes to modern marriage, Tolentino interweaves the personal and political, calling to mind great feminist writers like Susan Sontag and Joan Didion.

• Critical thinkers with an affinity for dissecting cultural trends
• Lefties and liberals – and those who want to understand them better
• Anyone who claims the label “feminist”

Broad Band (2018) tells the story of the women who played significant roles in the evolution of computers and the internet. It examines how these women became trailblazers in fields of work that were initially considered boring – but later proved to be of great importance.

• Young women interested in pursuing a career in computer science
• Computer scientists and engineers
• People interested in how women have shaped our world

The Biggest Bluff (2020) follows writer Maria Konnikova’s journey to becoming a poker champion under the guidance of Poker Hall of Fame inductee Erik Seidel. Applying her background in psychology to the world of poker, Konnikova reveals the game as a metaphor for life and shares lessons that can be applied on – and off – the tables.

• Game enthusiasts
• Psychologists
• Novices who want to master a new skill

This Is What America Looks Like (2020) is a memoir tracing Ilhan Omar’s incredible, trailblazing journey from war-torn Mogadishu to the floor of the US House of Representatives. In the process, she learned what truly matters to her as a Muslim, mother, American, and human being.

• Superfans of The Squad
• American politics junkies
• Anyone looking for a modern-day fairytale

The Diary of a Young Girl (first published 1952; this edition 1977) tells the story of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who went into hiding with her family during the Second World War. It offers a remarkable portrait of a maturing young woman forced into an unbelievable situation but rising to the occasion. In her diary, Anne shares her thoughts and dreams, revealing a remarkable talent that was tragically taken from the world, along with millions of other lives during the Holocaust.

• People interested in stories of life during wartime
• Anyone who likes true stories of resilience and survival
• Young women looking for inspirational figures

Speaking for Myself (2020) is an insider’s account of Donald Trump’s first two years in office by the woman whose job it was to present the president’s thinking to the world – press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Alongside fascinating snapshots of Trump’s decision-making process, values, and sense of humor, Sanders offers readers a glimpse of the inner workings of the White House and the role of the press in American political life.

• Trump haters interested in the other side of the story
• Journalists, reporters, and broadcasters
• History and politics buffs

The Light of Days (2021) tells the thrilling and harrowing story of the Jewish women in Nazi-occupied Poland who served as resistance fighters during World War II. These women took up arms in ghetto uprisings and served as important couriers on dangerous missions to transport guns and supplies across a hostile territory.

• History buffs
• Anyone interested in forgotten World War II stories
• People who are inspired by fearless women

The Women of the Bible Speak (2021) tells the story of the women of the Bible, describing their lives in all of their richness. Some of their stories are tragic, some are empowering, some are just very human. But they are all central to the Christian story, and come with their own special lessons and wisdom. The Women of the Bible Speak shows us that even within the rigid hierarchies of the ancient world, women were instrumental.

• Christians
• Anyone interested in the history of the Bible
• Those looking for inspiration and wisdom from the ancient world

All the Frequent Troubles of Our Days (2021) offers a deeply intimate look at individuals who risked their lives by establishing an anti-Nazi resistance movement in Germany. With years of research, and access to letters and declassified documents, this is a detailed story about people who have often been overlooked in the fight against fascism.

• Fans of real-world espionage stories
• People curious about life in WWII-era Germany
• History buffs

Two Nobel Prizes, brilliant scientific breakthroughs, tragic losses, tireless work in the hospitals of the First World War: Marie Curie had an eventful life. In this Bedtime Biography, we will tell the story of Marie Curie, and introduce you to the woman behind the many myths.

• Those interested in the history of science
• Fans of biographies
• Parents in search of female role models

Florence Nightingale (1951) tells the legendary story of the “Lady with the Lamp,” the famed nurse who arrived to soothe the souls of those wounded in the Crimean War. It chronicles her journey to the conflict’s horrific medical barracks, and how she used her experiences to forever change the way hospitals are run and how the sick are treated. 

• People interested in amazing life stories
• Those curious about life and hardships during Victorian times
• History buffs

Narrated by Karen Cass

Vindication (2006) tells the inspiring, thrilling, and often tragic tale of the life of Mary Wollstonecraft, known today as the founder of modern feminism. Drawing on significant moments in Wollstonecraft’s life, from her childhood in an abusive household to her experiences co-founding a school and living in Revolutionary France, it paints a picture of a woman who was as complex as she was brilliant. Throughout every stage of her life, Wollstonecraft was truly an original thinker, and her influence on feminist thought continues to ring out today.

• Feminists and people interested in the history of women
• Fans of stories about tragic heroes
• Anyone fascinated by the personal lives of famous historical figures

Margaret Thatcher: The Autobiography (2013) is the definitive account of the Iron Lady. Covering everything from her upbringing to the political battles that defined her time in office, this memoir sheds light on the thinking and values of Britain’s most transformative twentieth-century leaders. 

• History buffs
• Anglophiles
• Politicos

All In (2021) tells the remarkable life story of Billie Jean King, the woman who led a call for equality in women’s sports that soon reverberated around the world. King’s activism and refusal to back down led to real changes in the US legislature, with results that spread far beyond the realm of sports. All the while, King grappled with personal issues that would only find resolution later in life.

• Sports fans
• Activists and equal rights crusaders
• Anyone who loves a good inspirational story

Abortion and the Law in America (2020) offers a comprehensive legal history of abortion rights in the US. It highlights the social and cultural shifts that have contributed to the abortion debate and looks closely at the types of arguments invoked by both sides.

• People who want to learn more about the complexity of the American abortion debate
• Those interested in the relationship between cultural values and law
• Anyone following US politics

Vaxxers (2021) follows the race to develop a functional vaccine to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Professor Sarah Gilbert and Dr. Catherine Green, of the University of Oxford, deliver captivating and informative insight into the process of designing, testing, and manufacturing the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in record time. They recount exciting moments of innovation, as well as the hurdles faced along the way.

• Anyone fascinated by vaccine development
• Public health enthusiasts 
• Futurists looking to prepare for the next big pandemic

We Should All Be Millionaires (2021) shows how women can attain financial success by casting off impostor syndrome and demanding that they be paid what they’re really worth. Here, you’ll learn how the ability to earn, save, and manage money has been denied to women – and why that’s a bad thing for the world as a whole.

• Women looking to empower themselves with wealth
• Those looking to found companies of their own
• Any woman who has been underpaid and overworked

A Room of One's Own (1929) is a perceptive rumination on gender and self-expression. This extended essay explores the social and structural barriers women face when creating art.

• Artists looking for inspiring words
• Women exploring the history of feminism 
• Those struggling to understand social injustice

Elizabeth the Queen (2012) is a brisk yet in-depth exposé of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. Tracing key moments in her life, big and small, lighthearted and tragic, it pulls back the curtain on a most singular figure. Elizabeth II was at once a woman who struggled to balance her roles as both mother and monarch; a leader who learned to embody dignity and diplomacy; and the calm epicenter of the drama that ever swirled around her closest relations.

• Royal watchers and anglophiles
• Americans interested in British politics
• Biography lovers

My Life in Full (2021) is the memoir of former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi. She reflects on her rise to success and the juggling act it required as she struggled to make time for her family.

• Working parents
• Women aspiring to leadership positions
• Anyone interested in the story of a uniquely successful career

In The Light We Carry (2022), former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, tackles complex questions about community, identity, and relationships with trademark warmth and honesty. Obama believes we all carry a light inside us – in this book, she tells us how to shine that light so it illuminates the potential for hope and healing, and pathways toward a better world.

• Anyone whose fear is holding them back from living authentically
• Those who wants to trade disconnection for community and friendship
• People who need encouragement to keep doing the work in challenging times

The Nightingale (2015) is a historical novel telling the often-neglected story of those left behind when soldiers go off to war. Set in northwestern France during World War II and told through the eyes of two sisters, this sweeping saga reveals the hidden horrors, and heroism, of the survivors.

• Historical fiction buffs looking for a well-told tale from a new angle
• Literature lovers craving epic stories of survival
• Anyone interested in the true costs of war on all fronts

Lady Sings the Blues (1956) is Billie Holiday’s tell-all memoir. The legendary jazz singer recounts her life, from a brutal childhood in Baltimore to the start of her musical career in Harlem and – eventually – stardom tainted by racism and drug addiction. 

• Music lovers
• Anyone curious about Harlem speakeasies
• Fans of fast-paced, hard-edged memoirs

Elizabeth Taylor (2022) is an enthralling authorized biography of one of Hollywood's most famous stars. This fascinating and complete portrait of the legend chronicles her life of fame, tragedy, love, and loss.

• Elizabeth Taylor devotees
• Classic Hollywood aficionados
• Romance fans

Lessons in Chemistry (2022) is the story of Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant scientist who has the misfortune of being a woman in 1950s America. After a frustrating failed academic career, Zott finds success in an unlikely place: as the host of a television cooking show.

• Foodies interested in the science behind cooking
• Feminists looking for a window into the history of women in STEM
• Anyone who appreciates stories that are sharp and warm-hearted

Sacred Women (2000) is a foundational guide to holistic healing for women. Through healing circles, lifestyle changes, and the wisdom of the Divine Creatress, you can chart your own path to a life of joy and purpose.

• Spiritual seekers who want to connect to their inner wisdom
• Women looking for alternative approaches to reproductive health
• Anyone who’s feeling restless and unfulfilled at work 

Jane Eyre (1874) is an intense, intimate portrait of a young woman’s search to find her place in Victorian society without compromising her passionate ideals. It follows her as she navigates life’s obstacles – and her developing love for the mysterious Edward Rochester.

• Hopeless romantics who crave plot twists and turns
• History lovers keen to get a window into life as a nineteenth-century governess
• Fans of period dramas like Outlander and Bridgerton

Finding Me (2022) is the highly anticipated memoir from Oscar-, Tony-, and Emmy-award winning actress Viola Davis. Davis is unafraid to share the rawest, most intimate details of her life story, from the brutal hardship of her childhood on Rhode Island, through her tenacious years as a Broadway stage actor, to her arrival into the upper echelons of Hollywood celebrity. 

• Film fans who loved Davis in Doubt, Fences, The Help, and more
• Theater aficionados interested in a backstage perspective on Broadway
• Anyone who can’t resist an inspiring true story of success against all odds

Good for a Girl (2023) chronicles the career of pro runner Lauren Fleshman, and the issues with the sports system she encountered along the way. It’s both a memoir detailing her life and a manifesto crying for change.

• Aspiring female athletes and coaches
• Advocates of sports industry change
• Fans of Lauren Fleshman

Unfiltered (2022) blends a practical business handbook with Rachel Pedersen’s inspirational journey from a single-mom on welfare to the CEO of two multi-million dollar companies. Using the challenges she’s faced and the lessons she’s learned along the way, Pedersen gives aspiring entrepreneurs the tools to start and grow their dream business on their own terms.

• Aspiring entrepreneurs
• Business owners looking to grow
• Anyone in need of an inspirational story

Persuasion (1817) is the story of Anne Elliot, a 27-year-old woman whose heart was broken at 19, when she was persuaded not to marry the naval captain Frederick Wentworth – the love of her life. When Anne and Captain Wentworth cross paths again, they are both still unattached. But does the Captain still carry a torch for Anne, or has resentment and time snuffed out the flame forever?

• Romantics
• Period drama fans
• Austen readers looking for a quick plot refresher

Little Women (1868-1869) tells the story of the four March sisters, and the struggles and day-to-day obstacles they faced while becoming young adults. While the story takes place in the American Northeast, it’s a universal coming-of-age story that has been appreciated around the world.

• Fans of stories told from a female perspective
• Lovers of classic literature
• Anyone who likes a good young adult story

In Order to Live (2015) follows the survival story of Yeonmi Park, a North Korean woman who escaped from her home country. In this inspiring memoir, Yeonmi goes through her horrific journey from North Korea to China and finally to South Korea.

• Human rights activists
• Those curious about North Korea
• Anyone looking for an uplifting story

In her memoir, Love, Pamela (2023), superstar Pamela Anderson tells her own story behind decades of life in the headlines. Through poetry and insightful storytelling, she shares how her passion for exploring love has guided her journey.

• Fans of Pamela Anderson
• People only aware of Pamela Anderson’s public persona and curious to learn more
• Anyone interested to what it’s like to live as a global celebrity

I Am the Storm (2023) is an inspiring dive into what it takes to stand as a David against a Goliath. From a single gymnast who took on a whole abusive system, to a grieving mother who chose to tackle the US opioid epidemic head on, it shows that anyone can make a stand for what they believe in, no matter how big their opponent may seem.

• Anyone looking for inspiration to face the challenges in their life
• People sick of big organizations acting with impunity
• Believers in the strength of human will

Paris (2023) is the frank, entertaining memoir of the celebrity icon Paris Hilton. She shares the highs and lows of her life in the limelight, from epic parties to public humiliation.

• Paris fans (“Little Hiltons”)
• People who enjoy candid memoirs
• Anyone interested in the lifestyles of the rich and famous

Antigone (c. 441 BC) is a tragedy by Sophocles, one of ancient Greece’s greatest playwrights. After a civil war, two brothers – the leaders of rival factions – are dead. One is remembered as a patriotic hero; the other, as a treacherous usurper. The king of Thebes, Creon, has forbidden anyone to bury the traitor – an order the man’s sister, Antigone, can’t square with her conscience. The stage is set for a conflict pitting the individual against the state, justice against law, idealism against realism, and a defiant woman against a male-dominated world.

• Theater enthusiasts interested in the history of drama
• Fans of classical literature and mythology
• Anyone interested in exploring themes of morality, family, and power

Everything I Know About Love (2018) is Dolly Alderton’s very funny and painfully honest recollection of her early twenties, and all the bad dates, heartbreaks, grimy flat shares, and steadfast friendships this period of her life entailed. In 2022, the book was adapted for television by the BBC.

• People on the cusp of adulthood wondering what their twenties will bring
• Those on the other side of 30, still trying to work out what their twenties meant
• Anyone who’s a romantic at heart

The Urgent Life (2023) is part-memoir, part-manifesto to the importance of showing up in your life, and being fiercely present – no matter the circumstances. Bozoma Saint John has experienced both highs and lows in the course of her life. Through it all, she has learned to stay true to herself and her dreams, and to live as if nothing is guaranteed. In The Urgent Life, she describes the events that have most impacted her, and shares how you, too, can live life with passionate urgency.  

• People who are hungry to live more boldly, 
• Young professionals looking for inspiration on how to navigate the corporate ladder authentically. 
• Anyone who has experienced loss, and is figuring out how to carry on.

A Radical Awakening (2021) shows you how to heal by connecting to your authentic self – the person you were meant to be before society’s lies and conditioning morphed you into something else. It speaks from a woman’s point of view, but it doesn’t exclude men. Instead, it seeks to lift everyone from the pain of their past and into a higher consciousness.

• Anyone who wants to heal from their past 
• Women who’d like to discover their inner power
• People who feel subjugated by society

Parable of the Sower (1993) is the story of Lauren Olamina, a young woman who lives in a near-future dystopian California. When her home community succumbs to the destructive forces of the world around it, Lauren is forced onto the road in search of a new life. Throughout her journey, she gradually builds a new belief system, as well as kinship with a new community. 

• Near-future science fiction fans
• Lovers of Black and feminist literature
• Fans of Octavia E. Butler

The Bell Jar (1963) follows the story of Esther Greenwood, a talented young woman who secures a coveted internship at a New York fashion magazine during the summer of 1953. But Esther feels trapped by the gender roles and societal expectations of the time, and soon spirals into a deep depression from which there seems to be no escape.

• Students of English literature
• People interested in the exploration of mental health and social norms
• Anyone who considers themselves a feminist

Villette (1853) tells the tale of Lucy Snowe who, after a series of family deaths, immigrates from England to the fictional French town of Villette to teach at a girls' school, where she encounters love, loss, and linguistic barriers.

• Fans of classic literature 
• Romantic novel enthusiasts 
• Historical fiction readers

Sense and Sensibility (1811) explores the divergent paths of two sisters as they navigate through society’s challenges, drawn by differing temperaments of sound logic and emotional sensitivity.

• Fans of classic literature
• Students studying societal norms
• Lovers of strong female characters

Madame Bovary (1856) is the story of Emma Bovary, unhappily married to a provincial French doctor, and her ultimately futile attempts to exchange dull reality for a more romantic life. In the years since its publication it has been hailed as a groundbreaking and classic work of realist literature.

• Literature lovers keen to get acquainted with one of the great novels
• Romantics who are drawn to stories of love and longing
• Students of psychology intrigued by complex character studies

Hello Beautiful (2023) is a tale of love, family, and sisterhood. It centers on William Waters, who meets and marries the ambitious, practical Julia Padovano while they are both still in college. Julia is one of four girls in a close knit Italian-American family, whose storybook lives at first seem like a fantasy to William. But soon enough, life’s many obstacles catch up with the Padovanos, and William is drawn deep into their lives, loves, conflicts, and griefs. 

• Readers who love sprawling family epics
• Lovers of Little Women, the classic story of sisterhood that inspired Hello Beautiful
• Anyone who wants the scoop on one of 2023’s best-selling novels

Show Your Worth (2022) argues that defining success is a personal journey, one where you shape your own path. It's a guide to crafting a unique success story, understanding the value of your authenticity, and becoming a leader in your own life.

• Women at the start of their careers wondering what their roadmap should be
• Professional women who want to move their career to the next level
• Women with a seat in the boardroom who want to define leadership on their own terms

Thicker than Water (2022) is an intimate memoir by acclaimed actress Kerry Washington, who opens up about the childhood experiences, activism, and personal challenges that shaped her groundbreaking career. With courageous vulnerability, Washington shares her winding journey to amplify underrepresented voices and make an impact as an artist, mother, and role model.

• Those interested in uplifting marginalized voices in arts, culture and storytelling
• People intrigued by behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories and celebrity memoirs
• Anyone facing struggles with mental health, infertility, or overcoming adversity looking for inspiring biographies

Eat, Pray, Love (2006) is the story of a year-long journey around the world in pursuit of pleasure in Italy, spiritual devotion in India, and finally a balance of the two in Indonesia. With refreshing candor and humor, this bestselling memoir charts a courageous path of self-discovery.

• Foodies after an indulgent tale of finding pleasure in eating
• Yogis ready to be inspired by a story of commitment to prayer and meditation
• Romantics who swoon at stories of love after loss

Brown Girl Dreaming (2014) is a story of childhood as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s. It explores themes of family, identity, and belonging, set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights movement. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of personal and historical moments, highlighting the struggles and joys of growing up in a time of social change.

• Students studying African American literature and history
• Young adults exploring their racial and cultural identity
• Anyone interested in memoirs and personal narratives

Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937) is a defining work in African-American and feminist literature. It explores love, independence, and identity through the eyes of a Black woman in the rural American South.

• Readers interested in feminist literature
• Appreciators of the Harlem Renaissance
• Fans of immersive, character-driven novels

The House on Mango Street (1991) is a classic coming-of-age novel that tells the story of 12-year-old Esperanza Cordero, a Latina immigrant in Chicago who dreams of escaping poverty and rigid gender roles. Praised for its sparse but powerful prose, The House on Mango Street explores themes of identity, poverty, and community, offering a unique perspective on the adolescent search for belonging.

• Young adult readers and aspiring writers
• Those interested in Latinx culture and immigration narratives
• Fans of feminist literature 

The Portrait of a Lady (1881) represents a highpoint in the literary career of Henry James, one of the most accomplished novelists in the English language. It tells the story of Isabel Archer, a beautiful and spirited American brought to Europe by a wealthy aunt. Defying social expectations, she turns down two marriage proposals in order to pursue a journey of self-discovery. Her love of liberty, however, leads her into a trap of her own devising: a union with the outwardly charming yet manipulative Gilbert Osmond.

• Fans of classic literature 
• Readers interested in themes of identity and freedom
• Anyone who loves nuanced storytelling 

Sula (1973) invites you into the lives of Sula Peace and Nel Wright, childhood friends whose lives take sharply different paths. Their story explores friendship, betrayal, and identity, as well as examining life in a quiet African American town in the 1920s.

• Avid readers of literary masterpieces
• Anyone interested in themes of race, gender, or identity
• Enthusiasts of African American history and culture

Tess of the D'Urbervilles (1891) unfolds the heart-wrenching journey of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman ensnared by the rigid moral and social frameworks of Victorian England. It delves into her tumultuous life marked by manipulation, betrayal, and resilience against an unforgiving society's judgments. Through Tess's story, the novel explores the themes of purity, social hypocrisy, and the struggle between traditional values and societal change, highlighting the destructive impact of these forces on individual lives.

• Fans of classic literature
• Readers interested in social issues
• Students of Victorian England

Bits and Pieces (2024) takes you through the candid moments that shaped Whoopi Goldberg's life, from childhood adventures in New York to navigating the highs and lows of stardom. Experience her heartfelt reflections on family, friendship, and resilience. Dive into a deeply personal journey of love, loss, and the strength found in the connections that bind us.

• Fans of Whoopi Goldberg's diverse career and humor
• Anyone interested in personal stories of resilience and family bonds
• Enthusiasts of behind-the-scenes Hollywood and celebrity life

From Here to the Great Unknown (2024) offers a deeply personal account of growing up in the shadow of fame, loss, and family tragedy. It also recounts the multi-generational experiences of dealing with heartbreak of addiction and suicide, revealing the unbreakable bonds that hold us together, even in the darkest times. 

• People interested in the Presley family legacy
• Fans of celebrity memoirs
• Anyone coping with loss and grief

Cher (2024) finds the legendary singer and actress opening up about her extraordinary journey through fame, love, and personal transformation. It’s a literal rags to riches take of growing up poor to hosting one of the most popular television shows in the country. In recounting the many ups and downs and troubled relationships along the way, it reveals the woman behind the icon, filled with raw honesty, humor, and unforgettable moments.

• Cher fanatics and music lovers
• Pop culture enthusiasts
• Anyone interested in inspiring stories of overcoming adversity

A Different Kind of Power (2025) is Jacinda Ardern’s account of her time in office. It traces her path from small-town New Zealand onto the world stage and through the crises that tested her government: a terror attack, natural disasters, a pandemic, and the backlash that followed. It’s also a manifesto for a different politics – one grounded in compassion rather than toughness.

• Readers drawn to compassionate, human-centred political leadership
• Aspiring leaders curious about empathy in high-stakes decision-making
• Fans of behind-the-scenes insights from modern female politicians

How to Lose Your Mother (2025) explores the complex dynamics between a daughter and her famous writer mother, revealing how growing up with a fame-hungry parent can profoundly shape your life. As her mother’s dementia progresses, this brutally honest memoir transforms from a story of chaotic upbringing into a profound meditation on love, loss, and the precious nature of family bonds. 

• Children of high-achieving parents who can relate to growing up in the shadow of their parent’s career
• People interested in stories of messy, intense, complex family dynamics
• Anyone navigating a parent’s dementia or cognitive decline 

This book explores the portrayal of women in popular culture and the impact it has on society. From television shows to advertising, Susan J. Douglas examines how the media shapes our perceptions of gender and influences the way women are represented and treated. She also offers insights into how women can challenge and change these stereotypes.

• Readers who want to explore the history and impact of women in the media
• Individuals interested in feminist perspectives on popular culture and advertising
• Those who seek to understand the portrayal and representation of women in society

A Midwife's Tale is a fascinating historical account of Martha Ballard, a midwife in 18th-century Maine. Through meticulous research and analysis of Ballard's diary, author Laurel Thatcher Ulrich brings to life the challenges and triumphs of women in early America. This book offers a unique perspective on the role of midwives and the everyday lives of women during a pivotal time in history.

• People who are interested in history from a personal perspective
• Readers who enjoy biographies and personal narratives
• Individuals who want to learn about the experiences of women in the past

Feminism Is for Everybody by bell hooks is a powerful book that aims to demystify the concept of feminism and make it accessible to all. It provides a clear and concise overview of feminist theory and highlights the ways in which feminism benefits everyone, regardless of gender. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analysis, hooks challenges misconceptions and invites readers to join the fight for gender equality.

• Individuals who want to understand the core concepts of feminism
• People looking to challenge and deconstruct societal gender norms and stereotypes
• Readers seeking insightful and thought-provoking discussions on intersectionality and inclusivity within feminism

Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri is a poignant novel that follows an unnamed woman as she navigates the streets and neighborhoods of an unnamed city. Through introspective musings and observations, the book delves into themes of solitude, belonging, and the search for connection. Lahiri's lyrical prose invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human experience and the ever-changing landscapes of our lives.

• Readers who enjoy introspective and character-driven stories
• Those who appreciate lyrical and evocative writing
• Individuals who have a fascination with urban life and the complexities of human connections

Wide Sargasso Sea is a novel by Jean Rhys that serves as a prequel to Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre. Set in Jamaica, it tells the story of Antoinette Cosway, a Creole woman who becomes the first wife of Mr. Rochester. The book explores themes of colonialism, racial inequality, and the oppression of women.

• Individuals interested in reimagined literary classics
• Readers who appreciate complex and psychologically rich characters
• Those who enjoy exploring themes of race, identity, and power in colonial settings

Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker is a delightful blend of humor, honesty, and inspiration. With refreshing candor, Hatmaker shares personal stories and insights on embracing the messy, imperfect moments of life while also finding the courage and determination to live with moxie. It's a book that will make you laugh, nod in agreement, and feel empowered to embrace your own unique journey.

• Readers who enjoy humorous and relatable stories about navigating life's messy moments

• People looking for inspiration and encouragement to embrace their imperfections and find their inner strength

• Those who appreciate a blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and spiritual insights